Liverpool Football Club has announced it will “rightly immortalise” the number 20 shirt of Diogo Jota in tribute to the Portuguese star, following his tragic death in a car crash. The 27-year-old forward died alongside his brother, André Silva, in a devastating accident that has rocked the football community and left fans heartbroken.
Tragedy on the Road in Spain
The crash occurred late Thursday night on the A-52 highway near Sanabria, in Spain’s Zamora province. Reports confirm that the tyre on Jota’s Lamborghini burst while he was overtaking another vehicle, causing the car to leave the road and catch fire. Both Jota and his brother André were killed instantly.
Authorities believe the brothers were travelling to Santander to board a ferry to England. Jota had recently undergone lung surgery and had been advised not to travel by air. He was due to report back to Liverpool for preseason training ahead of the new campaign.
Fans Call for Number 20 to Be Retired
In the hours following the news, fans gathered outside Anfield to lay flowers, scarves, and heartfelt tributes. Across social media, the call has grown for Liverpool to retire Jota’s number 20 shirt as a mark of respect. For many, the connection between his shirt number and the club’s 20th league title is more than symbolic—it feels like fate.
“Football is the most unimportant thing right now, but I hope Liverpool retire number 20,” one supporter posted. “It would feel wrong to see anyone else wear it after such a loss.”
Another fan wrote, “Diogo Jota wore number 20. He helped us win our 20th league title. Maybe… just maybe… he should be our Forever 20.”
A Legacy Etched in Liverpool’s History
Jota joined Liverpool from Wolverhampton Wanderers in 2020 and quickly became a fan favourite. His energy, sharp movement, and eye for goal made him a vital part of the squad. During his time at Anfield, he scored an incredible 182 goals and contributed 65 assists, playing primarily as a winger or false nine.
His final goal came during the Merseyside derby in April, sealing a crucial victory in front of the Kop. That strike helped Liverpool secure their historic 20th league title—now seen by many as a fitting final chapter in his life. Liverpool FC said in its tribute: “The No.20 will be rightly immortalised for his contributions… a poignant last goal of his life.”
Heartfelt Messages from the Club and Manager
Liverpool FC released an official statement describing their devastation and requesting privacy for the families involved. “We will continue to provide them with our full support,” the club said, offering their condolences to both the Jota and Silva families.
New manager Arne Slot expressed his shock in an emotional letter shared on the club’s website. “My first thoughts are not those of a football manager,” he wrote. “They are of a father, a son, a brother and an uncle. Diogo was not just our player—he was a loved one to all of us. To his family, I say this: you will never walk alone.”
Klopp Shares His Grief
Former Liverpool manager Jürgen Klopp also paid tribute on Instagram, saying he was “heartbroken” by the news. “This is a moment where I struggle. There must be a bigger purpose… but I can’t see it,” he wrote.
Klopp remembered Jota as more than just a top-class footballer. “Diogo was a great friend, a loving and caring husband and father. We will miss you so much,” he added.
A Life Cut Short Too Soon
Jota’s passing is even more painful knowing he had just celebrated a major personal milestone. He married his long-time partner, Rute Cardoso, on June 22—less than two weeks before the crash. The couple shared three children together and were planning their future as a family.
Gone But Never Forgotten
The football world has lost not only a brilliant talent but also a kind-hearted, dedicated teammate and father. For Liverpool fans, Diogo Jota will always be remembered—not just for the goals he scored or the matches he won, but for the passion, humility, and joy he brought to the game.
Calls to retire his number continue to grow, and whether officially or in spirit, number 20 will forever belong to Diogo Jota.
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